Anger, Confusion Mount Over New ATTs as RCMP Contradicts Government

3 Sep 2015

Anger and confusion are mounting among gun owners after the RCMP contradicted the government over a new law designed to simplify the transportation of firearms.

The Ministry of Public Safety said July 31 that starting Sept. 2, people with licences to own handguns and AR-15 rifles would no longer be required to obtain police permission to take guns home from the store, to the shooting range, to a gun show, or to a gunsmith.

The RCMP contradicted that yesterday, saying some licence holders will still need to request permission to transport their firearms. The announcement came on a “Questions and Answers” page about the new law.

Q15: I do not have a valid ATT to transport a firearm to and from a shooting club or range for the purpose of target practice. Will ATT conditions be attached to my firearms licence automatically?
A15: No. If you do not possess a valid ATT to transport a firearm to and from a shooting club or range for the purposes of target practice as of September 2, 2015, you will not get the transportation purposes added as a condition to your firearms licence.
See next question for additional information.

People with licences and without an ATT will still need to apply for one, buy a new gun or request a renewed licence.

“What a load of ####!,” said a member of CanadianGunNutz.com, Canada’s main online discussion group for firearms enthusiasts. “So either I buy a gun or apply for a new ATT? What is the ####ing point?”

Voicemails today by TheGunBlog.ca for the Ministry of Public Safety and the RCMP requesting clarification weren’t immediately returned. Stay tuned for updates.